substantial backlog

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "substantial backlog" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant amount of work or tasks that are pending or overdue. Example: "Due to the recent surge in orders, we are currently facing a substantial backlog in our shipping department."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

They include "a substantial backlog of pending biotech applications, and bans adopted by individual E.U. member states on biotech products approved at the E.U. level".

The New York Times

The time it takes to process a passport has returned to the usual six to eight weeks, a welcome change for many Americans whose travel plans were upset this summer as the department's staff worked through a substantial backlog.

The New York Times - Travel

The substantial backlog of flights is going to mean massive disruption for weeks to come, but there have been no detailed public statements of how this will be handled.

The Guardian

The report says the economy should continue to grow because of continued economic gains in New York City, which affect the region, decreased reliance on manufacturing and a substantial backlog of nonresidential construction.

The New York Times

Victims of cyber crime are refusing to hand over their computers to police for analysis because a substantial backlog means that they could be deprived of them for months.

Independent

Staff must also accession and process a steady stream of newly acquired materials and a substantial backlog of older materials, as well as prepare for and lead multiple visits to the archive each term by classes of students and groups such as university alumni.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The new system has also raised concerns that it may cause substantial backlogs in court.

The Guardian

Asbestos lawsuits form the largest amount of personal injury cases in Federal and state courts and have caused substantial backlogs in many jurisdictions.

The New York Times

But a significant backlog remains.

The New York Times

We do still have a significant backlog.

TechCrunch

Nevertheless, it's highly unlikely IBM's substantial order backlog, particularly in its Global Services outsourcing unit, will evaporate.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "substantial backlog", ensure the context clearly defines what items or tasks constitute the backlog. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "substantial backlog" to describe minor delays or insignificant amounts of work. Reserve it for situations where the backlog genuinely poses a challenge or impacts operations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "substantial backlog" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "substantial" modifies the noun "backlog". It quantifies the size or amount of the backlog, indicating that it is significant or considerable. Ludwig AI provides examples of its use in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "substantial backlog" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a significant amount of pending work or tasks. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its correctness and prevalence across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While the phrase is versatile, writers should ensure its use aligns with the actual magnitude of the backlog to avoid exaggeration. Alternatives like "considerable delay" or "significant accumulation" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant accumulation

Replaces "backlog" with a more general term for buildup, while "significant" conveys a similar magnitude to "substantial".

considerable accumulation

Similar to "significant accumulation", but uses "considerable" as an alternative to "substantial".

large accumulation

Uses "large" as a direct synonym for "substantial", focusing on the size of the accumulation.

extensive queue

Replaces "backlog" with "queue", implying a waiting line or ordered list of items.

lengthy waiting list

Specifically refers to a list of items waiting to be processed, suitable for contexts like medical procedures or services.

heavy workload

Shifts the focus to the amount of work needing to be done, rather than the items themselves.

massive inventory

Implies a large stock of items that need to be processed or sold.

noticeable arrears

Focuses on tasks or payments that are overdue, using "noticeable" to indicate a substantial amount.

significant inventory

Uses "inventory" to refer to the items accumulated, suitable for logistical contexts.

considerable inventory

Uses "inventory" to refer to the items accumulated, suitable for logistical contexts and "considerable" as an alternative to "substantial".

FAQs

How can I use "substantial backlog" in a sentence?

You can use "substantial backlog" to describe a significant amount of pending work, such as "The department is facing a "significant backlog" of applications".

What's a good substitute for "substantial backlog"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "considerable delay", "significant accumulation", or "extensive queue" as alternatives.

Is it appropriate to use "substantial backlog" in formal writing?

Yes, "substantial backlog" is suitable for formal writing, especially in business, academic, and news contexts. However, ensure the context warrants the use of "substantial" to avoid overstatement.

What kind of issues does a "substantial backlog" cause?

A "substantial backlog" can lead to delays, increased costs, customer dissatisfaction, and operational inefficiencies, depending on the specific context. Addressing the root causes of the backlog is crucial.